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AppWizard
July 25, 2025
On July 25, Instagram users experienced a glitch preventing them from sending messages to friends, with the app labeling contacts as "AI chats." Namerah Saud-Fatmi from Android Central reported that her friends, who she follows and who follow her back, did not appear when trying to send Reels. Users on Reddit echoed similar frustrations, noting that their friends were also labeled as AI, causing them to vanish from chat lists. Some users had been facing this issue for up to two days, and a workaround involved copying links to Reels to share directly.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Microsoft has replaced the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with a Black Screen of Death in Windows 11 update KB5062660, which is available for manual installation. The update is part of the optional cumulative updates for Windows 11 version 24H2 and will upgrade the system to Build 26100.4770. The new BSOD features a black background, omits the sad emoticon and QR code, and displays for about two seconds. The update also introduces enhancements for AI-capable PCs, the Recall feature for selective blocking of applications and websites in the EU, and the Quick Machine Recovery feature for faster system recovery.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Microsoft has resolved an issue causing erroneous Windows Firewall notifications after rebooting Windows 11 24H2 systems, particularly with the June 2025 preview update. This fix is included in the KB5062660 preview cumulative update released on Tuesday and will be more widely available with the August Patch Tuesday updates. The issue, acknowledged on July 3rd, was linked to a new feature in development and resulted in misleading Event Viewer messages (event 2042) indicating 'Config Read Failed.' Microsoft clarified that these messages did not reflect actual problems with Windows Firewall. An apology was issued on July 8th after mistakenly declaring the issue resolved. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed other recent issues, including invalid 0x80070643 failure errors during April 2025 WinRE updates and incorrect BitLocker drive encryption errors affecting managed Windows environments.
AppWizard
July 23, 2025
Security researchers at Trustwave SpiderLabs have identified a complex cluster of Android malware that combines click fraud, credential theft, and brand impersonation. This malware exploits the Android Package Kit (APK) file format to distribute malicious applications, often through phishing messages or deceptive websites. Users are tricked into installing these APKs, which are disguised as reputable brands or promotional apps. Once installed, the malware takes advantage of Android's permission model to access sensitive resources, primarily for click fraud and traffic redirection to generate illicit revenue. Some variants engage in data collection and credential harvesting, employing advanced evasion tactics to avoid detection, such as using counterfeit Chrome applications and overlay screens. A notable variant includes a spoofed Facebook app that mimics the official interface and connects to a remote command-and-control server for instructions. The malware uses encryption and encoding to secure data exchanges and employs open-source tools to bypass Android's signature verification. Evidence suggests that the operators may be Chinese-speaking, as indicated by the use of Simplified Chinese in the code and the promotion of related APK campaigns on Chinese-speaking underground forums.
AppWizard
July 23, 2025
The Stop Killing Games movement has gathered 1.4 million signatures for its European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), which seeks to ensure that games can operate on customer systems after official support ends. If validated, the European Commission must consider the proposal. However, an anonymous complaint has been filed alleging "systemic concealment of major contributions" by the campaign's founder, Ross Scott, who reportedly has not disclosed significant professional contributions valued between €63,000 and €147,000. Scott argues that EU regulations do not require reporting of non-financial support from volunteers. The trade association Video Games Europe has expressed concerns that the initiative could hinder developers' creative choices. The petition deadline is July 31.
AppWizard
July 22, 2025
The Kremlin has increased restrictions on Russian citizens' access to foreign websites and information that contradicts state narratives since the Ukraine conflict began. New legislation has been passed to impose fines for searching for "extremist" content and for advertising VPN services, with penalties including fines of up to 5,000 rubles for individual users. A potential ban on WhatsApp is being considered in favor of a domestic alternative called Max, which is expected to serve as Russia's national messaging platform and may collect user data. Approximately 680 bots have been promoting Max while disparaging WhatsApp. Additionally, at least 40 Russian regions have recently experienced mobile internet outages, which coincide with increased Ukrainian drone attacks and are speculated to serve both security and internet sovereignty goals.
Winsage
July 21, 2025
Windows administrators need to keep their systems updated for security and performance, with control over the timing and type of updates being crucial. There are three primary methods for managing Windows updates: 1. Per-client updates: Default for standalone clients, offering minimal control. 2. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS): Centralized management since 2005, allowing extensive control but requiring more administrative effort. 3. Windows Update for Business (WUfB): A cloud-based model providing greater control through tools like Group Policy and Mobile Device Management (MDM). WUfB offers several advantages, including policy-based management, granular control over deployments, and the elimination of on-premises WSUS servers. To implement WUfB, organizations must meet specific requirements, including using Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Team editions, Azure AD joining, and having the necessary licenses such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Administrators can defer feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for up to 30 days using Group Policy. They can create servicing rings for managing update deployments, such as testing, pilot, and rollout rings. Configuration involves creating Group Policy Objects (GPOs) linked to the appropriate Organizational Units (OUs) and setting relevant policies. WUfB reporting is available through the Azure Portal, allowing administrators to monitor update statuses and troubleshoot devices.
Winsage
July 21, 2025
Microsoft Corporation has introduced a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to automatically submit real-time performance logs through the Feedback Hub to report slow or unresponsive behavior. This feature, released in a recent Insider test build, aims to streamline problem reporting for users in the Windows Insider Programme and enhance the collection of diagnostic information. Microsoft has faced criticism regarding inconsistent performance in Windows 11 since its launch in October 2021 and has implemented various updates to improve system performance. Additionally, the upcoming 25H2 update will require developers to conduct static analyses on their drivers before certification to enhance system stability and performance.
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